Located in a beautiful and relatively remote stretch of the gold country northeast of Nevada City in Nevada County, Malakoff is notable for its massive hydraulic mining scars. Here miners sprayed the hillsides with huge nozzles in their search for gold. The scars are still here today. Much of the silt washed down from Malakoff and other hydraulic mining sites clogged the rivers of the Central Valley, wreaking environmental devastation. The mine pit features colorful cliffs nearly 7,000 feet long, up to 3,000 feet wide and nearly 600 feet deep in places.

Hiking trails make this an attractive area to visit. The park's terrain ranges in elevation from 2,200 feet to 4,200 feet. The town of North Bloomfield—once called Humbug—features a few old homes and a small museum.

Special tours or group information: (530) 265-2740. Cabin rentals and campsite reservations, call Reserve America, (800) 444-7275.

Visit the Malakoff Diggins website for more information.